Dayton Guy Dowling

1927-2006

Longtime Hayden resident Dayton Guy Dowling died Dec. 27, 2006, at The Memorial Hospital in Craig after a brief illness. He was 79.

He was born on Dec. 9, 1927, in Hayden to Guy and LuSetta (Glebee) Dowling. He was raised and attended school in Hayden and graduated from high school in 1945. After high school, Dayton enlisted in the U.S. Army and served from March 1946 until April 1947. Dayton then attended Colorado A&M College in Fort Collins for 3 1/2 years.

Dayton married Lucille Ducey on March 17, 1950, in Hayden. Dayton and Lucille made their home in Hayden, where they became the parents of one daughter and three sons. Dayton worked at the coal mine at Mount Harris and later became manager of the Hayden COOP, where he worked for 29 years. He then became a custodian in the school system, and following that, he worked many years as sexton of the Hayden Cemetery. He most recently worked for Spectrum Jet Services at Yampa Valley Regional Airport.

Dayton enjoyed gardening, reading books, hunting and being outdoors. He loved to ride around the area and take in the scenery and wildlife. He was a very outgoing man and thoroughly enjoyed visiting with his many friends. He loved his family and was especially proud of his grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his parents; his wife, Lucille; a sister, Norma; and a daughter-in-law, Kammey.

He is survived by his daughter, Nancy and her husband Ron Tuepker of Kihei, Hawaii; sons, Delbert and his wife Nina Dowling of Palisade, Gordon and his wife Sandra Dowling of Hayden, and Donald and his wife Lisa Dowling of Hayden; grandchildren, Ashley, Emily, DreAnna, Dayton, Hunter, Sarah, Amanda, Jennifer, Michele, Veronica and Vanessa; and six great-grandchildren.

A funeral was held Jan. 2, 2007, at the Hayden Congregational Church with Doug Zirkle officiating. Prelude and postlude music was provided by pianist Debbie Rudd. The soloist was Kim Filner, who sang "Amazing Grace" and "In the Garden." Pallbearers were Bud Zabel, Frank Lowther, Mickey Hayes, Walt Ducey, George Temple and Bill Irvine. Honorary pallbearers were Dave Seed, Jim Kline, Kerry Cobb, Ralph Baird, Alan Ducey and Owen Grant. Interment followed in the Hayden Cemetery with military honors by Hayden American Legion Post No. 89. Memorial donations may be made to the American Diabetes Association in care of Grant Mortuary, 621 Yampa Ave., Craig, CO 81625.